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Moving from Alaska to Minnesota was both difficult and easy. In a way, I figured I had done enough time in the Great Land and there are lots of wonderful things to see in the other 49 states. I spent nearly 49 years in the 49th state. I lived in Fairbanks from September, 1967 to August, 1976, when I moved to Anchorage. Moving to Minnesota was easy because I grew up in Faribault, graduated there, and my nephew still lives there. My grade school chum, Marie, still lives in Faribault. Moving to Minnesota was difficult because I made so many...
When you have a chronic condition, what does that mean? Of long duration; continuing or lingering; incurable or manageable? Alaska has chronic homelessness and veterans are part of that population. Whether a ‘civilian’ or a veteran, the situation is often through no personal fault. And, a number have personal resources or assistance, which can make it possible to cure or manage their homelessness. VetVillageAK is a project focused on homeless veterans in Alaska; it’s been in development by the Alaska Veterans Foundation since 2009, so it’s...
How do we deal with our grief over loss of loved ones and all the madness in today's world? In 1988 a Pan American flight over Lockerbie, Scotland was bombed out of the sky. In the play, "Women of Lockerbie," the women of Lockerbie are fighting with the U.S. government for the right to obtain the clothing of the victims of flight 103, which crashed over their village. By washing the clothes found in the wreckage and returning them to the families of the victims of the crash the women believe the...
Picking out a new calendar is one of the best treats of the New Year. It doesn't matter whether it's a gift for family or friends or one to use yourself. Some people have calendars in every room. Some have a wall calendar, a pocket calendar and a desk calendar. There may be a picture and a page for every month; every week or every day. And some Alaska seniors are creating their own calendars. Both Mat-Su Senior Services in Palmer and the Ninilchik Senior Services Center are using their own...
Alaska’s state general election will be held Tuesday, November 4, 2014. The ballot has many important items on it. Some will be complicated and unfamiliar unless voters have prepared themselves. Three things will make it possible to vote and to vote with confidence that your vote supports the outcome you want. First, if you are not registered at all – or if you intend to change your registration information – you must do so on or before Sunday, October 5. You can do so at the State Division of Elections offices; by going online to http:...
Cyrano’s Theatre Company in Anchorage is presenting “4,000 Miles,” by Amy Herzog as its September production, playing Sept. 4 through Sept. 28. Although the title may be reminiscent of the classic ‘On the Road…’ films with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby and the play is a romantic comedy, it is most certainly far richer in its exploration of the relationships between young and old. It is the story of a 21 year-old young man who, after a lengthy bike trip, finds himself visiting his 91 year-old grandmother who lives in New York City. They are very di...
The Senior Access Program, administered by RuralCAP, provides grants to seniors 55+ for accessibility modifications to their principal residence. In 2014 nearly $600,000 was available statewide. Grants to more than 30 people have ranged between $7,000 to $15,000. Once an application is received and approved, RuralCap staff assists with planning and oversight of the actual construction. The program is expected to continue in 2015. For updated information, RuralCap staff may be reached at...
This year's Southeast Alaska State Fair in Haines is July 31 through Aug 3, with the theme "Unleash Your Inner Fair." In its 46th year, the fair reflects the cultures and people of Southeast Alaska. Sand wrestling is a new contest this year, but the logging show, fisherman's rodeo, wearable art, Tlingit carving and puppet theatre will be back. Music and performances on three stages; animals and petting zoo; food for every taste; arts and crafts. Contests for loveable dog, horseshoe fans, volleyb...
Seniors are often the target of fraud aimed at obtaining money or personal information from them which will make it possible to obtain money using the identifying information. About one-third of the victims of identity theft are over the age of 50, according Michelle Tabler, Alaska Regional Manager of the Better Business Bureau. Tabler says the individuals in this age range are a popular target because many will be too embarrassed to talk about money which they have lost to a trick. In addition, she notes that some people may be easier to take...
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Senior and Disabilities Services Division has placed a six month moratorium on certifying new agencies which provide personal care assistant (PCA) services funded by Medicaid. Lynne Keilman-Cruiz, Director of Quality for the Division, emphasizes that the moratorium does not affect individuals seeking to enter the program for the first time as personal care assistants. Nor does it affect recipients – clients who are currently receiving PCA services from or through an established agency. Or w...
Anchorage seniors who use the AnchorRIDES transportation program can expect new policies about hours of service and fares effective May 1. Weekday senior transportation service hours will be expanded for the core service area, with the earliest pickups available at 5:45 a.m. and the latest dropoffs at 11:30 p.m. This increases by over six hours the Monday through Friday availability in areas where the pickup and dropoff is within three-quarters of a mile of a bus route. The Municipal Department of Transportation, which administers AnchorRIDES,...
On April 11 and 12 at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage, 600 West 7th Avenue, the Alaska Dental Society, in collaboration with Anchorage Rotary and over 1,400 volunteers will provide a free clinic for people who have no access to dental care or cannot afford dental care. This is the first year for the Alaska Mission of Mercy. Its goals are to provide free dental care for patients suffering from dental infections or pain; to raise awareness of the increasing difficulty low-income adults and children face in accessing critical dental care; and t...
Alaska's Elder Mentor/Foster Grandparent program is resuming service under new funding through the Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc. (RurAL CAP). Lower income elders and seniors who volunteer receive a small stipend for working at least 20 hours per week with children in schools, preschools, Head Start centers and other community-based programs. These volunteers mentor youth who need assistance in succeeding academically and in developing positive social skills. In circumstances where...
Anchorage’s April 1 municipal election will include six assembly seats, two board seats and bond and ballot issues. Although April 1 may seem far away on the calendar, new voters need to register 30 days before the election, by Sunday, March 2. Those who are already registered do not need to re-register, but those who have moved should file a new registration form with the State of Alaska elections office, 522-8683. The state maintains the file of registered voters for the entire state. There are several ways to register including online at w...
Anchorage seniors ride the People Mover buses at half the cost of others on board. But all fares have been raised effective New Year's Day. The fare schedule has also been simplified so that regardless of whether one buys a pass or pays for each trip individually, the reduced fare is half the full fare. Seniors and others who qualify need to have one dollar in exact change, instead of 50 cents, when they board for one trip. They also need to show proof of eligibility which includes a picture ID...
Each month the residents of the Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center have a date with Ron Crawford. It's a date complete with popcorn and a movie, often one which touches the heart, raises spirits and "sets your toes a tapping." Crawford's reputation as a movie buff is longstanding and well earned. A former professor at University of Alaska Anchorage who taught both history and geography, his knowledge of movies is encyclopedic and retirement has allowed him to indulge his passions more. His...
The Anchorage Veterans’ Memorial renovations at the Delaney Park Strip are substantially complete thanks to the volunteer committee, private donors and public agencies that have been working on the project since 2007. Although an exact date for the re-dedication ceremony has not been determined as of press time, it is hoped it will be ready by early November. It is not unusual for construction of this kind to experience unanticipated delays. The site involves both new elements and maintenance o...
Registered voters in many communities across Alaska will vote on October 1 to elect municipal candidates. Local clerks are responsible for these elections. REAA School Board elections will also be held on October 1, but those elections are administered by the Alaska Division of Elections. A typical city or borough ballot might include a mayoral race; assembly or city council members; school board members; spaces for write-in candidates; and a local bond issue. It is important to note that a voter must be registered at least 30 days before the e...
History will come to life at the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery on Sunday, Aug. 11, when the “Stories of the Cemetery” returns, featuring costumed actors telling the true stories of people who are buried in the cemetery. The philosophy of these programs is to offer a greater awareness of Anchorage’s rich history. In addition, the presentations are carefully prepared with the intent to honor and respect the people whose stories are being told. The actors’ monologues are based on public records...
Alaska Community Services, Inc. disclosed that it discontinued its Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent programs as of April 30, 2013. According to Executive Director Brenda Bogowith, the agency voluntarily relinquished their federal grants to operate the programs prior to their end date due to a monitoring site visit conducted in February 2012. The findings of that site visit resulted in programmatic and compliance issues which are currently under discussion with federal funding agency officials at the Corporation for National and...
As Memorial Day approaches, Alaskans prepare to honor our veterans who responded to America’s call to duty. Through parades, ceremonies and visits to the graves of loved ones, we take comfort in demonstrating that they live on in our hearts. In Anchorage, as the 26th anniversary of the Anchorage Veterans’ Memorial on the Delaney Park Strip approaches, this year those who commemorate Memorial Day may find the site under construction after years of effort to design and fund renovations dev...
A long-time Alaskan whose life was deeply affected by his mother’s Alzheimer’s disease has written a book to help other caregivers who might benefit from his experience. Bob Miller published late last year his memoir, “My Mom Inez: Our Alzheimer’s Journey,” which is the story of a son’s determination to protect and care for his mother as he struggles with the signs of her losing her mind to Alzheimer’s. “This book grew out of my effort to understand, accept and effectively deal with what was going on in my mother’s life, and how it affected a...
